Alternative High Schools

Online High Schools

Douglas County School District is committed to providing our students with authentic, project-based learning, allowing them to explore industries, gain real world knowledge and 21st Century Skills they’ll need to compete for the college or career of their choice.

We strive to give our students the experience they’ll need to be the best business and community leaders possible.

Graduation Information

Graduation from Douglas County high schools is a culminating event that results from the foundations built at the elementary and middle levels. Graduation is a collaborative effort among levels in a student’s school career. Each level of school and each staff member or parent/guardian who instructs or counsels a student shares responsibility for the ultimate ability of that student to demonstrate proficiency in the content standards and to meet the expectations for graduation. The high school diploma awarded by DCSD represents a high standard of quality in curriculum content, instruction, and student learning.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a diploma and graduate from a Douglas County high school, a student must earn a minimum of 24 credits. A student attending a Douglas County high school using an accelerated block schedule must earn a minimum of 26.5 credits. These academic requirements reflect the minimum program, which a student can complete and still earn a high school diploma. Specific subject/course requirements are outlined in the policies listed to the right.

New Graduation Requirements - Beginning with the Class 2021

Graduation Policies

IKF Beginning with the Class of 2012 Diploma and Graduation RequirementsIKF-R-1 Beginning with the Class of 2012 Diploma and Graduation RequirementsIKF-R-2 Beginning with the Class of 2012 Diploma and Graduation RequirementsIKF-R-3 Graduation Competencies (beginning with the Class of 2021)

Process

Calendars are approved by the Board of Education as required under Colorado Revised Statutes. Schools then choose a calendar based on input from their school community and in collaboration with schools within their feeder. Currently, there are two calendars in use: Conventional and Modified.

The Board of Education approved six calendar options for the 2016-2017 school year following consultation with the District Accountability Committee and Student Advisory Council. On November 18, 2015, the Board of Education approved the same six calendars for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years. Those calendar options are posted on the right side of this page under Future Calendars.

Past Calendars

High School is a time of transition, growth, and exploration that helps students prepare for post-secondary education, career opportunities, and a life on their own. Our educators understand this and are committed to being responsive in meeting the needs of every student. Communication and resolution of concerns are a priority. We believe that complaints are best handled when both sides work together to find a solution at the level closest to the situation.

As per Policy KE: The Board believes that complaints and grievances are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible. Therefore, to ensure quick and effective problem solving, please channel concerns or complaints involving instruction, discipline, or learning materials as follows:

When possible, encourage your son/daughter to address the concern or solve the problem independently.
Contact the teacher directly either by phone or email.
If still unresolved contact school administration for additional assistance.

If you feel you have exhausted efforts for resolution at the school level, feel free to contact Corey Wise, the Director of High Schools. We will work together with school personnel and your family to ensure best results for your child’s education.

Board Policy

Community Service Requirements

Through community service, students are given opportunities to become responsible citizens by helping others while learning selflessness and fostering personal growth. Every student attending a Douglas County School is required to fulfill a 20-hour community service requirement outside of their home and family environment in order to graduate. To be counted toward the graduation requirement, this service must commence after the successful completion of eighth grade. All hours must be documented on a DCSD Community Service Form along with the Student Reflection to be processed. Any activity that meets the DCSD Guidelines will be accepted. All hours documented will be noted on the student’s transcript.

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

IB Learner Profile

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

IB Programmes are offered at Douglas County High School and ThunderRidge High School.

There are PYP, MYP and IBDP schools in the Douglas County School District: